Alarming numbers on pedestrian safety in our state
Here in our community there has been an effort to make areas more pedestrian-friendly.Newnan in particular has for more than a year pushed a program -- primarily aimed at educating pedestrians and motorists -- to improve safety for walkers in the downtown area.
There have been other efforts in other towns and the county to make our streets and roadways safer for pedestrians.
There’s good reason for this emphasis on pedestrian safety. Morris News Atlanta bureau chief Walter Jones reported this week alarming statistics about pedestrian deaths in Georgia.
Here’s an example: In 2001 there were 146 deaths of people on foot, which amounted to 9 percent of all 1,615 roadway deaths. By 2010, Georgia had 168 walkers killed, which was 13.5 percent of the 1,244 roadway deaths.
That gain is alarming and points to the need for communities to make streets and roadways more safer for pedestrian.
Pedestrian and roadway safety is a two-way street. It demands an effort from pedestrians and from motorists to reduce these numbers. It’s imperative that all of us -- pedestrians and motorists -- know and obey all the laws.
More people are out walking today. Let’s help ensure their safety.
